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Unions Called to Security Meeting Due to Violence in the Southern Macrozone

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Forestry unions in Biobío confirmed a security-related meeting this Wednesday in Los Ángeles with government and Public Safety authorities to address the progress of the program implemented since the last workers' mobilization. They will also express their concern over repeated attacks and acts of violence recorded since the arrest of Héctor Llaitul, spokesperson for the Arauco Malleco Coordinating Group.

The president of the Federation of Forestry Transport and Loading Unions, Alejandro Jara, confirmed this and added that they will present their concerns to authorities regarding response times and follow-up for drivers victimized by arson attacks.

VIOLENT INCIDENTS FOLLOWING THE ARREST OF HÉCTOR LLAITUL

Specifically, Alejandro Jara stated, "For us, this is very concerning. In fact, every action aimed at stopping crime in the Macrozone, especially the arrest of Héctor Llaitul, we knew would bring retaliation from these criminal groups. We were taking measures related to protecting workers' safety and well-being."

He added, "So, since Llaitul's arrest, we have been coordinating with the Presidential Delegation to arrange preventive patrols to reduce this wave of assaults or attacks that could affect workers. However, the situation has escalated significantly, with the results we now see—attacks in different parts of the province."

The president of Fetracarfor also confirmed that this Wednesday, forestry unions and truckers' representatives will participate in a meeting with government and security authorities in Los Ángeles to analyze the security program implemented in this part of the country.

The leader noted, "Tomorrow’s meeting (today, Wednesday) relates to the progress of agreements signed between the government and Transport Unions and truckers' associations. We will also voice our concerns about rampant crime and the progress in victim support."

VICTIM SUPPORT AND "LIMITED" STATE OF EXCEPTION

He emphasized, "While there has been progress, it’s not as fast as we’d like, especially in victim assistance. There are several discrepancies in response and follow-up timelines for attack victims."

When asked about insisting on a full (not "limited") State of Exception, Alejandro Jara said, "We remain committed to cooperating with the government. However, the government isn’t providing all necessary tools for the armed forces to fully deploy in preventing these attacks. This concern is constant, and with the rise in attacks, tomorrow’s situation (today, Wednesday) could be particularly critical."

ARSON ATTACKS IN BIOBÍO AND ARAUCANÍA

According to figures released Tuesday by the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag), between May 16 and August 30, there were 18 arson attacks in Malleco province and five in Cautín province, totaling 23 attacks in La Araucanía under the State of Exception.

These numbers average 6.6 attacks per month under the State of Exception in the region—a 64% increase compared to the 2021 monthly average (4 attacks).

Meanwhile, in the same period, seven attacks occurred in Arauco province and one in Biobío province, affecting the forestry sector in Mulchén, totaling eight attacks under the State of Exception—averaging 2.3 attacks per month with this measure in place.

Source:latribuna.cl